KUALA LUMPUR – Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening China-Malaysia relations during his three-day state visit, which saw both nations exchange 31 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) across various sectors.
In a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today, Xi said he is ready to work closely with Anwar to elevate the China-Malaysia relationship to a more strategic and high-level partnership.
“I am willing to work hard with you (Anwar) to further advance the China-Malaysia community with a shared future in a high-level, strategic direction and to bring more benefits to our people and contribute to regional prosperity.
“Let the friendship between China and Malaysia flourish for generations to come. This is my return to Malaysia after 12 years. Malaysia has reached a new milestone in national development. I congratulate you on your successful advocacy of Malaysia Madani, which is being beautifully realised,” Xi said.
Reflecting on the history between the two countries, Xi noted the longstanding friendship built over centuries of cultural and economic exchange, strengthened by shared experiences.
“From standing together during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic to today’s united efforts in building a community with a shared future, China-Malaysia relations have entered a new era.
“It reflects our shared values of connecting hearts, treating each other with sincerity, upholding justice, and cherishing harmony,” he added.
The state visit was marked by the signing and exchange of 31 MoUs and documents, covering cooperation in media, trade, technology, education, and infrastructure.
Among the notable exchanges was an MoU between Malaysia’s Communications Ministry and China’s Xinhua News Agency to enhance news cooperation, including joint productions and content sharing between RTM and Xinhua.
Also signed were agreements between FINAS and China Media Group (CMG), as well as MoUs involving AI development, global satellite navigation applications, rail cooperation, and tourism promotion.
Other highlights include collaborative efforts in higher education, such as a joint AI+ research lab between Universiti Malaya and Peking University, and the promotion of cultural heritage through media content and classical literature translation.
Key highlights of MoU exchanges during Xi’s visit, with Malaysian ministers involved:
Intellectual Property:
Kamal Kormin, Director-General of MyIPO, and Ouyang signed a MoU to strengthen intellectual property cooperation.
Communications:
Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing exchanged a MoU between the Malaysian government and Xinhua News Agency to enhance news sharing and joint productions with RTM.
Media:
FINAS and China Media Group (CMG) signed a MoU, along with two supplementary MoUs involving Bernama and CMG on media cooperation.
Foreign Affairs:
Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Wang Yi exchanged MoUs on the Global Security Initiative and Global Development Initiative, including cooperation between China’s development agency and Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry.
Investment, Trade and Industry:
Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Wang Wentao exchanged three MoUs covering trade in services, upgrading of “Two Countries Twin Parks”, and standardisation cooperation.
Transport:
Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Ouyang exchanged a MoU to enhance collaboration in the railway sector.
Science, Technology and Innovation:
Chang Lih Kang and Ouyang signed a MoU to support joint laboratories in emerging tech, and another with Zheng Shanjie on the BeiDou satellite navigation system.
Higher Education:
Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir and Ouyang signed a MoU between University of Malaya and Peking University to establish an AI+ new materials joint lab.
Tourism, Arts and Culture:
Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Ouyang, along with CMG President Shen Hai Xiong, exchanged three MoUs on tourism promotion and cultural heritage.
Education:
Fadhlina Sidek and Shen Hai Xiong signed a MoU on the translation and publication of classical works.
Digital:
Gobind Singh Deo and Zheng Shanjie exchanged two MoUs focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy.
Agreements reflect commitments
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz underscored the significance of Xi’s visit in the context of trade relations.
“The memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed today demonstrate both parties’ commitment to further enhance investment and trade between the two countries.
“The MoUs are in areas relating to new technology and artificial intelligence (AI)… We want to see how we can work on this in trade and investment to ease some of the concerns and allow more Malaysian companies to export to China,” he told reporters.
He also highlighted China’s potential investment in Malaysia’s technology sector, particularly AI and semiconductors.
Xi’s arrival yesterday marked his second official visit to Malaysia since 2013, coinciding with 50 years of diplomatic relations, established on May 31, 1974. China has remained Malaysia’s top trading partner since 2009, with bilateral trade amounting to RM484.12 billion in 2024 — 16.8% of Malaysia’s total global trade. – April 16, 2025